Find out how popular the first name Marlen has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Marlen by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Marlen is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 94% of people named Marlen being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 44 female babies and 5 male babies born with the name Marlen.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby boys were named Marlen in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Marlen

The name Marlen is a unisex name that has its roots in the Germanic languages. It is thought to be a combination of the Old German words "mari" meaning "famous" and "lind" meaning "soft" or "tender". Some scholars believe it may also have connections to the Latin word "marinus" meaning "of the sea".

The earliest recorded use of the name Marlen dates back to the 12th century in parts of Germany, France, and the Low Countries. It was initially more common as a masculine name, with one of the earliest known bearers being Marlen von Bassenheim, a German knight who lived in the late 12th century.

As the name spread through Europe over the following centuries, it evolved into various spellings such as Marlene, Marlena, and Marlena. In the 16th century, the name gained popularity in parts of Italy and Spain, where it was often used as a feminine form.

One of the most famous historical figures with the name Marlen was Marlene Dietrich, the iconic German-American actress and singer who lived from 1901 to 1992. Known for her distinctive voice and androgynous style, she was a prominent figure in Hollywood during the Golden Age of cinema.

Another notable bearer of the name was Marlen Khutsiev, a Soviet and Russian film director and screenwriter who was born in 1925 and passed away in 2019. He was best known for his critically acclaimed film "Ilyich's Gate" and his contributions to the Russian cinema of the 1960s.

In the literary world, Marlen Haushofer, an Austrian novelist and writer, made her mark with her post-apocalyptic novel "The Wall" published in 1963. She lived from 1920 to 1970 and explored themes of isolation and survival in her works.

Marlen Redetzki-Labastida, a Mexican painter and sculptor born in 1942, is celebrated for her vibrant and surreal artworks that draw inspiration from Mexican folklore and indigenous cultures.

Lastly, Marlen Siu, a Venezuelan actress and model born in 1978, has gained recognition for her roles in various telenovelas and films throughout Latin America.

While the name Marlen has been used across different cultures and time periods, it has maintained its unique blend of Germanic roots and feminine or masculine associations, making it a distinctive and historically rich name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Marlen was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Marlen, please contact us.

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